Average Speech-Language Pathologists Salary in Birmingham, AL
Speech-Language Pathologists in Birmingham, AL, earn an average annual salary of $83,450. This figure is notably below the national average of $101,660, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $83,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,640.
- Outlook: Birmingham's Speech-Language Pathologist job market comprises approximately 480 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers suggests consistent opportunities for qualified SLPs.
Salary Overview
The average Speech-Language Pathologists in Birmingham, AL earns-17.9%below the national average.
$40.1
$1,605
$6,954
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Birmingham is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Speech-Language Pathologist salaries in the region have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing awareness of speech and hearing health, an aging population requiring rehabilitative services, and advancements in therapeutic techniques likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory.
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
The career path for Speech-Language Pathologists in Birmingham offers significant earning potential as experience accumulates. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn considerably more, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies a clear progression and reward for dedication and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $58,170 | $28 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $62,588 | $30.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $79,860 | $38.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $104,313 | $50.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $111,640 | $53.7 |
Detailed Speech-Language Pathologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$83,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $83,450 for Speech-Language Pathologists in Birmingham aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an SLP's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to that of an SLP earning the national average salary in a location with average living expenses, offering a balanced financial outlook for professionals considering a move.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
0.926
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.80x the national average concentration of Speech-Language Pathologists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.8 for Speech-Language Pathologists in Birmingham indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the market is not saturated, there may be a moderate level of competition for available positions. Employers may find it slightly more challenging to recruit specialized talent compared to national benchmarks, potentially influencing hiring strategies and compensation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Speech-Language Pathologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $87,830↑ 5% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $71,000↓ 15% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $67,930↓ 19% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $66,830↓ 20% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $72,760↓ 13% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Speech-Language Pathologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologists make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Speech-Language Pathologists in Birmingham, AL is $83,450. This typically ranges from $58,170 for entry-level positions to $111,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 17.9% lower than the national median of $101,660.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Speech-Language Pathologists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $83,450 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $101,660. However, the cost of living being at the national average offers good purchasing power for the salary earned.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Speech-Language Pathologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($87,830) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist in Birmingham, AL?
The average annual salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist in Birmingham, AL is $83,450.
How does Birmingham's cost of living compare to the national average?
Birmingham's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning living expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
Is the job market for SLPs strong in Birmingham?
The job market is stable with a concentration slightly below the national average (LQ of 0.8), indicating consistent opportunities but not an exceptionally high demand compared to other professions.
How does experience affect an SLP's salary in Birmingham?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior SLPs with specialized skills commanding higher salaries, reflecting career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 0.926 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Speech-Language Pathologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL